The Biola University Academic Plan emanates from our mission and ...

Lead in TransformationHistorically, Biola’s strength is in whole person education, and recently Biola has advanced newscholarship and programs that are helping the academy to understand such learning in moresophisticated and concrete ways. We are beginning to implement models of academic learning thatcan transform the lives of students, connecting the rigorous work of the mind to the Spirit’s work inthe heart so that we might better love God and our neighbors. This involves connecting learningacross the campus, from the classroom to chapel to dormitories to off-campus learning andministries. Moreover, we want to continue to lead in helping the larger academy understand suchlearning.Therefore, we are launching the following academic initiatives to lead in transformation:♦ Create an Office of Spiritual DevelopmentHistorically, Biola’s strength has been its commitment to an education that is biblicallycentered and life transforming. In recent years, programs and research in spirituality at Biola haveenhanced our own understanding and attracted the notice of other academic institutions, includingWASC, who are beginning to look to us as a leader in the areas of spiritual formation and characterdevelopment. IRPS, ISF, and ICD, in particular, have broken new ground and created newpossibilities for a realized spirituality within and beyond the academic curriculum. We are wellpositioned to lead in this area. However, we need to coordinate and develop the work being done inspirituality here and more intentionally bring it to the arenas of campus life. If we do not, themomentum we now have may not develop the synergy and strategies necessary to transform ourprograms and inform those looking for models of spirituality in higher education.Therefore, we propose the creation of an Office of Spiritual Development and Transformation,which will connect and develop the strands of research and work in spirituality here at Biola, andcoordinate with those areas that can benefit from them. The Office will be directed by an AssociateProvost and will house the Chapel program. In addition, the Associate Provost will lead thethoughtful integration of spiritual development and assessment across these other areas (which willretain their reporting structures):University curriculum and pedagogy; Faculty development; Student Residence Life; StudentMinistries; SMU; Staff spiritual nurture; Service to the community and church; IntegrativeResearch; Career ServicesTactical Objectives• Create an Office of Spiritual Development and Transformation (Fall 2007)• Recruit and hire an Associate Provost for Spiritual Development and Transformation• Recruit and hire a support staff position• Produce marketing promotional materials to attract and recruit students and fundraising aswell as increase awareness with identified influential academic and evangelical groups.Cost:• $90,000 to $150,000 annuallyResponsibility• ProvostJob Description:Page 14 of 208/13/07Biola University Academic Plan